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Tag: Hollywood

  • BEST OF NOLLYWOOD, HOLLYWOOD HONOURED IN GERMANY

    BEST OF NOLLYWOOD, HOLLYWOOD HONOURED IN GERMANY

    FOLLOWING the recent outing of the third edition of the Nollywood at the Nollywood Europe Golden Awards (NEGA) gala night in Frankfurt, Germany, the country’s movie industry is surely getting more thumbs up. The event is the closing ceremony of the Nollywood Film Festival Germany (NFFG), a viable platform designed for Nollywood film makers to showcase their movies to Europeans and Nollywood fans in the Diaspora which held at the prestigious Filmforum Höchst VHS Cinema, Emmerich-Joselstr, Frankfurt am Main, Germany

    “This is the most cherished award that I have ever received,” wrote one of the recipients, Senator of the United States of America, Senator Donzella James, Democratic Senator representing Metropolitan Atlanta’s 35th District of Georgia, on her Facebook page. “I am humbled and truly honoured!”

    Though Senator James was originally invited as Special Guest of Honour, it was in recognition of what she does for the African people in the US that led to her being honoured by the Nigerian community in the USA. Because of her tireless efforts in creating a voice for the voiceless and less-privileged, she had earlier received the 2014 Friend Of Nigeria award from the Nigerian Women Association of Georgia, NWAG. Also her association with Queen Blessing O. Itua a Nigerian, as her International Liaison – Adviser, proved testament of her love and support for the Nigerian people in particular and Africans in general. Those acts did not escape NEGA organisers and there was little option than to surprise her with the prestigious award as a well-deserved winner of “Distinguished Mouth Piece Of The Voiceless Africans” with additional FESTAC head artefact that symbolizes Black freedom as Ehizoya’s first Highest Recognition Awards designed for very selected personalities with extraordinary track-record.

    Also honoured at the NEGA Awards gala-night was Edo State-born USA-based Hollywood artiste, who is also an author, motivational speaker and the host of the gala-night, Queen Blessing O. Itua. The Hollywood actress/producer and of course, the International Liaison  Adviser to Senator Donzella James was awarded NEGA 2015 “Reputable Cross Cultural Actress”.

    Other big winners were: Ime Bishop Umoh – “Best Comic Actor”, showstopper, Cossy Orjiako – “Distinctive Daring Actress” (she has shattered records with a daring role in Nollywood’s blockbuster, Shattered Homes), Grand master comedian, Ereku Mofe aka Gandoki, awarded – “Nigeria’s Most Creative Comedian”, Mr. Steve Olu, a trained Surveillance and Intelligence officer in Germany and manufacturer of sensitive camera that can film almost every impossible angles even under water by minimizing the rigorous filming risk in film making  “NEGA Grand Innovation”, Mrs. Rosalyn Dressman, the President of African Union Tide e.V, also awarded –  “Grand Supporter of Nollywood in Germany,” Benjamin James, former Stationary Store and Super Eagles player but now Bundesliga Junior Hoffenheim team coach  “Outstanding Diaspora Soccer Coach”, Victor Olusegun Akande, currently the Entertainment Editor at The Nation newspaper  “Distinguished Nollywood Critic” and the Art Editor of National Mirror newspaper, Mr. Emedolibe Ngozi Erasmus was also awarded “Outstanding Film art Critic of Nollywood”.

    Among dignitaries present at the gala-night were His Excellency Ambassador Abdul Bin Rimdap Retd, His Excellency Consul General of the Nigeria consulate, Frankfurt, Germany John Ejineka, His Excellency, CDA Mr. Kenneth Okeh of the Nigeria Embassy, Berlin, Founder of London Base “True Nigerians” Barr. Emmanuel Aluode, Engr J.I Iyamu  President of Nigeria Association Hessen State and Mr Ajibola retd, Chief Anthony Ajidua  The Ohaneze Ndigbo and Mr. Joseph Ogunsaya of Odogbolu both from UK to mention but a few.

    Though absent, the following important personalities were also awarded; His Excellency, Gov Dr Ibramin Dankwambo  “Pillar of Nollywood”, Governor of Gombe State, Nigeria, “Nollywood Grand Innovator” His Excellency Dr Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Former Governor of Sokoto State, Nigeria and Sir Mike Mbama Okiro – IGP retd; CFR, NPM, mni Chairman, “Grand Transformer of Nigeria Police”.

    This year’s gala-night featured some brilliant upcoming Nigerians but Germany-based stars like German Mouth  comedian, Cletus Odigie  comedian, MacoRas  Reggae star and Tu-Brain – Hip Hop among others. Nollywood fans that travelled from far and near were fulfilled with satisfaction when Bishop and Gandoki thrilled them with jokes and cracked their ribs with laughter.

    Before presenting NEGA awards to Senator James, His Excellency the Consul General Mr. Ejineka praised Nollywood stakeholders and Nollywood stars for their creative prowess that has promoted Nigeria’s positive image beyond expectation.

    “We’re proud of Nigerians doing everything positive for the promotion of Nigeria’s image. We’re proud of you, Mr. Izoya, with your team and we’re here to serve and support Nigerians and we are happy with our contributions towards the success of Nollywood Film Festival Germany – NFFG and Nollywood Europe Golden Awards  NEGA Awards.”

    Members of Esan Akugbe Worldwide that travelled from all corners of Germany to honour Isaac Izoya’s invitation, added colour to the event with their cultural performance, which caused much excitement. It was a day Frankfurters will not forget in a hurry.

    The screening was well attended by Germans, Africans and diplomats as well. The festival screening started with Dangogo movie – “Stigma” nominated as the Best Sound and Picture qualities. The movie, addressed the sensitive issues of HIV in detail. No wonder, some German cinemas are negotiating for screening of the movie in their respective cinemas.

    In his opening speech, Izoya, the event director and president of Ehizoya Golden Entertainment e.V, said that Nollywood is a medium of promoting not just culture but integration and educational tools for the Diaspora children. “It’s a link for them to connect with their roots and Nollywood has come to stay and must be supported by the Nigerian and German governments as well,” he said.

    Izoya also thanked the Hessen State Filmforum Höchst VHS-Frankfurt Am Main, Ministry of Arts and Culture (Stadt Frankfurt Kulturamt), The Office for Multicultural Affairs (Amt für multikulturelle Angelegenheiten  AmkA), Ethiopian Airlines, RIA  Money Transfer & Change, KLG Druckkultu GmbH and the Nigeria Consulate based in Frankfurt under the leadership of His Excellency, Consul General Mr. John Ejineka – for his extra-ordinary efforts towards the success of NFFG/NEGA Awards 2015.

    To Izoya, the outing was a success. NEGA is a platform designed to honour Nollywood stakeholders, stars, comedians, musicians (both in Africa and the Diaspora) which have also been expanded to recognize the artistic bias of outstanding politicians and business men, whose actions have directly or indirectly impacted upon Nigerians worldwide and the industry in particular.

    “The turn-out at this year’s screening was far more than last year, this year’s gala-night was better coordinated than the previous year’s and above all, we shot a great blockbuster movie directed by Paul Obomokhai Julius (DGN) with both Hollywood, German and Nollywood stars with high tech camera, and of course, German DOP now in post-production in Germany. We’re expecting a first class product before December.

    “Above all, Senator Donzella James has invited us to Atlanta Georgia, USA for a red carpet premiere. Looking back in retrospect, I think I am right describing the trip as a mission accomplished. Glory be to God and The Show Must Go On!”

  • Hollywood movie, Captive to premiere in Lagos

    As Nigeria celebrates its 55th anniversary, The Rock Cathedral, in conjunction with the United States Consulate General, Lagos is set to offer Nigerians a taste of Hollywood with the premiere of the crime-drama thriller, Captive.

    According to a statement from the US Consulate, the film which premieres at The Rock Cathedral, 4th Roundabout, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos, by 5pm on October 1, ‘aims to awaken a purpose-driven life for all Nigerians.’

    Captive is a story of faith, redemption, and survival, based on the non-fiction book Unlikely Angel by Ashley Smith. It is a true story about Brian Nichols, who escapes from the Fulton County courthouse in Atlanta on March 11, 2005 and holds Smith as a hostage. Filming began in October 2013 in North Carolina. The film was released worldwide on September 18, 2015 by Paramount Pictures.

    Captive tells the true story of Smith using Rick Warren’s best-selling book, A Purpose Driven Life, to find her own path to redemption and persuade her captor to find his.  British-Nigerian actor and Golden Globe Award nominee, David Oyelowo, who recently portrayed Martin Luther King, Jr. in the film Selma, and American actress Kate Mara (House of Cards, The Fantastic Four) are among the cast of Captive.

    The film was directed by Jerry Jameson and written by Brian Bird and Reinhard Denke.

  • Hollywood, Nollywood actors unveiled as cast in ’93 days’

    Hollywood, Nollywood actors unveiled as cast in ’93 days’

    PRODUCERS and directors of 93 Days, a historical movie that telld the Nigerian story of Ebola crisis, have unveiled their casts. At the world press conference held in Lagos, it was gathered that top Hollywood stars, Danny Glover, Tim Reid have joined some of Nigeria’s Nollywood stars are to feature in the movie.

    Hollywood actor, Danny Glover who has blockbuster movies to his credit, is on board to play the role of Dr. Benjamin Ohiare. Actress Bimbo Akintola plays the heroine, the late Dr. Stella Adadevoh Ameyo. Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey plays Patrick Sawyer, Nigeria’s index Ebola case, while the role of Dr Ada Igonoh will be played by Somkele Iyamah Idhalama. Bimbo Manuel, Charles Okafor, Gideon Okeke and a host of other movie stars are expected to feature in the movie.

    Recounting what sparked her interest to join the project, one of the movie producers, Bola Austen-Peters, said, “I couldn’t drop the script of the movie having seen it. The story is worth telling, and if you don’t tell your story someone else will tell it.

    “This is why we have come together to celebrate the major stakeholders who have played a significant role to control the Ebola virus in Nigeria, and Africa at large.”

    The movie scriptwriter, Paul S. Rowlston, speaking with The Nation, revealed the importance of telling the African story with his craft despite not being an African.

    “I have been in Johannesburg since I was 15,” he said. “And why won’t I see myself as an African? The African story is the best I have ever told. This is the most important script I’m asked to contribute to. And being on the same platform with the Nigerian producers and team has really been awesome to me.”

    According to the movie producer, Steve Gukas, the cast are the best. “When we started this project,” he said, “many names cropped up in my head as to who will play each role before I finally came out with the best.”

  • Photo: Ambode hosts Hollywood actor, movie cast, crew

    Photo: Ambode hosts Hollywood actor, movie cast, crew

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd right) presenting a state plaque to Veteran Hollywood Film Producer, Mr. Danny Glover (2nd left), the Producer/Director of the movie 93Days, a film on Ebola Virus, Mr. Sleve Gukas (right) and his Co-producer, 93days & the Director, Dusable Museum USA, Mr. Pemon Rami (left) during a courtesy visit to the Governor by the Cast and Crew of the film 93Days, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Wednesday
    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd right) presenting a state plaque to Veteran Hollywood Film Producer, Mr. Danny Glover (2nd left), the Producer/Director of the movie 93Days, a film on Ebola Virus, Mr. Sleve Gukas (right) and his Co-producer, 93days & the Director, Dusable Museum USA, Mr. Pemon Rami (left) during a courtesy visit to the Governor by the Cast and Crew of the film 93Days, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Wednesday
    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right) presenting a frame to Veteran Hollywood Film Producer, Mr. Danny Glover during a courtesy visit to the Governor by the Cast and Crew of the film 93Days, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Wednesday
    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right) presenting a frame to Veteran Hollywood Film Producer, Mr. Danny Glover during a courtesy visit to the Governor by the Cast and Crew of the film 93Days, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Wednesday
    L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode presenting an eyo plaque to Hollywood actor, Mr. Alastair Mackenzie while Veteran Hollywood Film Producer, Mr. Danny Glover watches during a courtesy visit to the Governor by the Cast and Crew of the film 93Days, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Wednesday
    L-R: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode presenting an eyo plaque to Hollywood actor, Mr. Alastair Mackenzie while Veteran Hollywood Film Producer, Mr. Danny Glover watches during a courtesy visit to the Governor by the Cast and Crew of the film 93Days, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Wednesday
  • WHY AFRICA SHOULD NOT TRY TO BE HOLLYWOOD, BY KIETH SHIRI

    WHY AFRICA SHOULD NOT TRY TO BE HOLLYWOOD, BY KIETH SHIRI

    KEITH Shiri, AFRIFF Artistic Director remains a resourceful film curator for African films. Commenting on the DIFF/AFRIFF partnership, he said, “When the idea that we should foster a relationship between DIFF and AFRIFF started, it was to create, and harness the idea of filmmaking between Nigeria and South Africa.”

    The Zimbabwean, who said he has been visiting Nigeria in the last 10 years, noted that South Africa and Nigeria are two great countries in the continent that can’t be ignored. He noted that the partnership can only make African cinema strong, rather than striving to be like Hollywood filmmakers or aiming for the Western market. “My idea of a hero is in the real African story that celebrates itself; that celebrates me, and not some kind of Spiderman show.  There is a reason certain things bother me; one of which is that we have to refuse some things about the West and be very African. If you are a worm, you cannot go and negotiate with a fisherman about how to catch fish, saying ‘let’s fish together’. They are not interested in you.

    And the good thing is that we have numbers here. There are about 170 million people living in Nigeria alone.” He said. Shiri expressed perception about the camera being invented in favour of the white man, giving reasons Africa must continue to tell its stories with passion.  “I was talking to a filmmaker a few days ago and I said, ‘do you know that the invention of a camera or film is in favour of white people. Every time you have to adjust and adjust to make it adapt to the colour of my skin; even the projectors that we have today.’”

    I just hope that this kind of conversation will continue, not just between AFRIFF and DIFF, because as we speak there is a film festival in Zanzibar, and we need to use the fora as incubator of ideas.

  • Hollywood actor Anthony Anderson to emcee MAMA

    Hollywood actor Anthony Anderson to emcee MAMA

    American comic actors continue to helm the annual MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA), with the unveiling of Anthony Anderson as host of this year’s show.

    Anderson takes over from Marlon Wayans, the popular American showman who was criticised in some quarters for dry and ‘unAfrican’ jokes during last year’s event.

    Anderson, an actor, producer, comedic genius and all-round funny man, said he is looking forward to the show, holding in Durban, South Africa, on July 18.

    ‘I look forward to my first trip to Durban and KwaZulu-Natal and  feel honoured to be hosting MAMA 2015 on Nelson Mandela’s birthday – it’s going to be awesome,” he said.

    Fresh from his recent stint as co-host of the BET Awards 2015 in LA, Anthony Anderson is star and Executive Producer of ABC’s new comedy Black-ish alongside actress Tracee Ellis Ross, while also hosting Food Network’s Carnival Cravings with Anthony Anderson. He is known for leading roles on NBC’s Emmy Award-winning drama Law and Order where he played Detective Kevin Bernard, as well as the shows K-Ville and The Shield. Anderson also brought his talent and humour to the small screen in his semi-biographical sitcom All About the Andersons.

    Other previous hosts of MAMA are Eve (2010), Wyclef Jean (2009) and Trevor Nelson (2008).

    The show is expected to feature artistes such as 2Face, AKA, Big Nuz, Black Motion, Bucie, Cassper Nyovest, Da LES, Davido, Diamond Platnumz, DJ Fisherman, DJ Tira, Jhené Aiko, NaakMusiQ, NE-YO, Toofan, Wizkid, Yemi Alade and Young Thug.

    Organisers say the MTV Africa Music Awards KwaZulu-Natal 2015 will broadcast live across Africa on MTV Base (DStv channel 322), MTV (DStv channel 130) and BET (DStv channel 129) on Saturday 18 July at 8PM.

  • ROAD TO AMAA 2015: Exciting outing with the Stars of Hollywood

    ROAD TO AMAA 2015: Exciting outing with the Stars of Hollywood

    THE trip to the ‘Hills’ was not some kind of excursion to Hollywood. Beside the glamour was the strategic desire by organisers of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) to push the frontiers of African cinema further, and get Black American Stars involved in the narratives that define their African DNA.

    Therefore, as the new CEO of AMAA, Dayo Ogunyemi made his first public appearance on the job, it was to explain to all present the new strategy that redefines the scope of AMAA, as the Award ceremony stages its 11th edition, in Johannesburg, South Africa, on September 29, 2015.

    Ogunyemi spoke in glowing terms about the need to advance the works of African filmmakers, through business and social synergy with every Black creative all over the world.

    He said that the Africa Film Academy (AFA), an umbrella body of AMAA will play its middleman role in possible co-productions and other forms of partnerships between African filmmakers and their Hollywood counterparts.

    Ogunyemi also hinted at a ‘ground-breaking partnership between AMAA and Facebook in Africa,’ saying that AMAA intends to showcase the profile of willing actors,  producers and directors to specific countries and relevant establishments with capacity to monetize talent through co-productions.

    “Every 5 ‘likes’ on your Facebook page should translate into people buying your video. They should want to know more about you, having excited them with your profile.  This is part of the revolution of the social media, and Facebook is changing how people watch your works,” he said, adding that, “The dynamics of being on radio for example, is limited. But online radio has a greater possibility of reaching black people across the world.”

    Founder of AMAA, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe mesmerized the gathering with her eloquent speech about the vision of a united Africa, sharing the thoughts of icons like Mariah Makeba and other visionary African leaders on the need to achieve One Africa.

    “I don’t want to be apologetic about who I am as a Creative. I don’t want you to describe me as a black filmmaker. We have to rewrite our history by ourselves. I don’t want to know if you are Black American, I don’t want to know if you are African. American, I don’t want to know if you are African Caribbean, I just want you to realise one thing, check your DNA, you are black and we are one,” she said, spurring the crowd into more applause.

    The real business of the evening put many on the edge of their seats. The gathering had movie enthusiasts from Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Zimbabwe and other parts of Africa and the Diaspora, who wanted to know how well their film submissions had done.

     

    The big deal for AMAA

    THE journey towards a Nomination Announcement and Gala of the AMAAs is one of the factors that organisers have hyped as the stronghold of the 11-year-old glamorous award event. And as the unveiling of nominated films, actors, directors, cinematographers and other professional aspects of a motion picture material took place in Los Angeles last Saturday; it was obvious that the entire African continent was awake to the news.

    Fans had expected their favourite cinema films, even as festival rats, wanted to know what the choice of the international jury of the AMAAs would look like this time. The over 800 movies had followed five stages of pre-selection process, which included the AMAA College of Screeners, before arriving at the jurors’ decisions of the best few in each of the 28 categories. The jury this year is headed by Zimbabwean curator, Keith Shiri.

    There was great elation as films like October 1 from Nigeria; Timbuktu from Mauritania; iNumber Number from South Africa; Run from Cote d’Ivoire; and Triangle Going to America from Ethiopia were announced as films not only with the highest number of nominations, but also adjudged befitting of the Best Director and Best Film’s tiara.

    Besides these technical areas, October 1 has lead actor, Sadiq Daba contesting the Best Actor diadem while its second lead and first-timer, Demola Adedoyin aims for the Best Young/ Promising Actor laurel.

    Timbuktu, a Boko Haram-like story is otherwise noted for Cinematography, and Child Actors; an area African movies usually experience a dearth. The Mauritarian movie is competing with Nigeria’s A Place with the Stars and Stigma for the Best Child Actor category.

    Another notable Nigerian movie, Invasion 1897 would also contest in the Best Nigerian Film and Visual Effects categories.

    Chairman of AMAA College of Screeners, Shaibu Husseini, reiterated that a total of 842 films were entered for the award, before reading out the first set of nominations, which included a new category; the Michael Anyiam-Osigwe Best Film by an African Living Abroad, in honour of Michael Anyiam-Osigwe, a patron of the African Film Academy who passed on last year.

    In a move that may not surprise pundits, Ghana-born actress, Jocelyn Dumas and her Nigerian counterpart, Ini Edo are once again in big battle for the Best Actress category for their roles in Silver Rain and While You Slept respectively. The two leading female actors were nominated in the same category in 2014.

    Two new revelations in the Most Promising Actor/Actress category are Demola Adedoyin for his role in Kunle Afolayan’s October 1 and Kemi Lala Akindoju for her role in Tunde Kelani’s Dazzling Mirage.

    At a ceremony attended by the cream of top Hollywood filmmakers and their Nigerian counterparts, Husseini noted the improvement in the quality of films coming to AMAA every year since inception 11 years ago.

    ”It is gratifying to note that filmmakers from the continent and beyond are investing more into their craft and the evidence of their investments are the quality films we see even though there will always be room for improvements,” he said.

     

    The role call

    THE excitement began upon the Stars’ arrival at the prestigious JW Marriot Hotel, Downtown Los Angeles. And with the pleasurable ride in a party bus to Beverly Hills, it only got better.

    The show had the likes of Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Faithia Balogun,O.C Ukeje, Patience Uzokwor, Kingsley Ogoro, Paul Okoli, Chioma Chukwuka, Kunle Afolayan, Emem Isong, Doris Simeon, Ghana’s Lydia Forson and South Africa’s Kim Eagle and Terry Pheto. Others are Hollywood’s Jimmy Jean-Louis, Lynn Withfied, DeMark Thompson, and actress Danielle Lewis.

    The evening of glitz and glamour had musician J. Jackson and Grammy-winning American R&B songstress, Chrisette Michele treating guests to great music.

  • Hollywood stars, presidents join Letterman for final act

    Hollywood stars, presidents join Letterman for final act

    HOLLYWOOD stars Steve Martin and Tina Fey, comedians Chris Rock and Jerry Seinfeld and a host of U.S. presidents joined the band Foo Fighters on Wednesday to bid farewell to David Letterman as the veteran “Late Show” host signed off for the last time.

    The show as expected featured no sit-down guest interviews, relying heavily on clips of Letterman shows going all the way back to his 1980s morning show on NBC.

    It opened with news footage of former President Gerald Ford intoning, out of context: “Our long national nightmare is over,” referring at the time to the Watergate scandal.

    In succession, presidents George H. and George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and finally Barack Obama all repeated Ford’s pronouncement verbatim, with Obama adding, “Letterman is retiring.”

    A bevy of top names turned up for one of Letterman’s signature bits, the nightly Top 10 list, which was entitled “top 10 things I’ve always wanted to say to Dave.” Barbara Walters, Jim Carrey, Peyton Manning, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Alec Baldwin, Seinfeld, Chris Rock, Bill Murray, Fey and Martin took aim.

    “I’m just glad your show is being given to another white guy,” was Rock’s contribution, a reference to Letterman’s successor Stephen Colbert who takes over in September.

    Tributes also came from long-running television shows including “The Simpsons” and “Wheel of Fortune.”

    Notably absent was longtime rival and former “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno, although Letterman quipped in his monologue “I’ll be honest with you – it’s beginning to look like I’m not going to get ‘The Tonight Show.’

    More of his trademark self-deprecation followed when he observed that he had done more than 6,000 shows, then joked that noted physicist Stephen Hawking had calculated “It works out to about eight minutes of laughter.”

    The 68-year-old host, famed for his quick wit, sarcasm, offbeat humor, often snarky attitude and silly stunts, hosted top stars and presidents in his final weeks, much as he did during 33 years on late night television at NBC and CBS.

    For his swansong, Letterman, who started in television as a weatherman in his native Indianapolis, dropped his edginess and instead thanked his staff, his audience and CBS executives, including president and CEO Les Moonves who was on hand.

    Letterman even took a moment to introduce his wife Regina and son Harry as the lights briefly came up in the Ed Sullivan Theater in Manhattan’s Times Square district.

    The show, which ran long at more than one hour and 15 minutes, ended as Letterman told viewers “thank you and good night,” turning the stage over to his favorite band Foo Fightersm who performed “Everlong” to a montage of clips.

    In a final image, he blew a kiss to the cheering audience.

    “It was a heart-warming and heartfelt goodbye,” said Victor King of Los Angeles, who flew in to attend the historic show.

    –Culled from Internet

  • Actors endorse showbiz satire ‘Birdman’

    Actors endorse showbiz satire ‘Birdman’

    “Birdman,” a satirical film about acting in the unforgiving world of show business, won top honors from Hollywood’s actors on Sunday.

    The endorsement by actors is an important show of support for its march toward the best picture Oscar.

    The actors from “Birdman” won the best ensemble cast in a motion picture from the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), the day after the film from Mexican director Alejandro G. Inarritu prevailed at the Producers Guild awards.

    The SAG award for the best ensemble cast does not always translate to a best picture win at the Academy Awards.

    But it does indicate that actors, the largest voting bloc for the Oscars, favour it over another strong contender, the coming of age tale “Boyhood.”

    Michael Keaton, whose own uneven career trajectory mirrors the travails of “Birdman” protagonist Riggan Thomson, said he was sure the 100,000 SAG members found a kindred spirit in the film.

    “I think actors loved this movie for showing the courage the actors had, going out there and laying it out on the line,” Keaton said backstage.

    “I think that is why respectfully they thought as a group we deserved to win the prize.”

    Birdman could cement its front-runner status for the Feb. 22 Academy Awards if it takes the top Directors Guild Award in two weeks.

    The individual acting Oscars appear to be sewn up after the SAG awards which went to the four artists who won Golden Globes two weeks ago — Julianne Moore, Eddie Redmayne, Patricia Arquette and J.K. Simmons.

    SAG members prized lead performances by two actors portraying extreme illness.

    Moore won best actress for her role as a woman with early-onset Alzheimer’s in “Still Alice.”

    While British actor Redmayne, took best actor for his portrayal of physicist Stephen Hawking, disabled by motor neuron disease, in “The Theory of Everything.”

  • David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong’o for two Hollywood films

    David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong’o for two Hollywood films

    Nigerian-British actor, David Oyelowo and Oscar-winning actress, Lupita Nyong’o will be sharing close ties this year, with plans to play together in two Hollywood films.

    According to earlier reports, Oyelowo and Nyong’o are attached to Americanah, another exciting literature by Chimamanda Adichie, which is being adapted into a movie.

    With Americana still in the works, both stars are also said to be in talks with the producers of Disney’s The Queen of Katwe, a story about a young girl from the slums of Uganda who, with the help of her coach, becomes a chess prodigy.

    Mira Nair is expected to direct the film from a script by William Wheeler, who also penned the screenplay for Nair’s previous film, The Reluctant Fundamentalist.

    The story is based on an ESPN Magazine article and the 2012 book The Queen of Katwe: A Story of Life, Chess, and One Extraordinary Girl’s Dream of Becoming a Grandmaster, both by Tim Crothers.

    Oyelowo, who is traveling the awards circuit this season with his lead role as Martin Luther King Jr. in Paramount’s Selma, will play the coach, Robert Katende, while Nyong’o takes on the role of the child’s mother, Harriet Mutesi.

    The actor has played supporting roles in the films Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Middle of Nowhere, Lincoln, and garnered praise for portraying Louis Gaines in The Butler.

    Since winning the Oscar for her breakout role in 12 Years a Slave, Nyong’o has booked work on one of the most hotly sought after projects in Hollywood: Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens. She will also voice a character in Disney’s The Jungle Book.